LSU President F. King Alexander addressed the government shutdown’s effect on the University as well as a decrease in out-of-state student enrollment during a Faculty Senate meeting Tuesday.
Although 90 percent of the U.S. Department of Education has been furloughed as a result of the government shutdown, Alexander said there is really no direct impact on the University.
Alexander said the grants could be held hostage, or faculty could see prolonged answers to grant applications, but student aid will not be affected.
He emphasized to the Faculty Senate that the University has a consistent federal agenda and lobbying force on the state and federal level.
Alexander also said this year marks an eight-year high for undergraduate enrollment numbers.
The incoming freshman class has increased in GPA, jumping from a 3.47 average to 3.49.
“We might be able to experience this sooner rather than later in our classrooms,” Alexander said.
Other type of enrollment numbers have not been as fortunate — out-of-state enrollment numbers have dropped by 17 percent. To increase these numbers, recruiters and counselors have been working
out of state and these students are being given more scholarships, according to Alexander.
“They’ve become a very hot commodity for revenue,” Alexander said.
Alexander said for both out-of-state and in-state students, the University is one of the most affordable in the country, especially considering the American Opportunity Tax Credit.
“We have to regain prominence in higher education,” Alexander said.
Increased enrollment is often seen as positive, but because there is less faculty, the change in class sizes are not so encouraging, Alexander said.
Currently class sizes are 23.5 students to one teacher.
Alexander said although this number could be improved, the faculty and University should concentrate on giving students more opportunities to succeed while they are enrolled.
“They really don’t have a chance if they drop out,” Alexander said.
University Registrar Robert Doolos addressed priority scheduling changes for next semester.
Doolos said the only part of the process that will change is degree candidates graduating in the upcoming semester will have priority over Honors College students.
Most honors students are freshmen and sophomores, thus they should not be in competition for classes with students exiting the University, Doolos said.
“They really don’t have a chance if they dropout.”